"Although many people think that the luxuries and conveniences of contemporary life are entirely harmless, they in fact, prevent people from developingsintostruly strong and independent individuals."

　　Do modern luxuries serve to undermine our true strength and independence as individuals? The speaker believes so, and I tend to agree. Consider the automobile, for example. Most people consider the automobile a necessity rather than a luxury; yet it is for this very reason that the automobile so aptly supports the speaker"s point. To the extent that we depend on cars as crutches, they prevent us from becoming truly independent and strong in character as individuals.

　　可借鉴之处：开头启用了一个非常醒目的问句，这是最能吸引批卷者视线也是高分作文的表现！

　　Consider first the effect of the automobile on our independence as individuals. In some respects the automobile serves to enhance such independence. For example, cars make it possible for people in isolated and depressed areas without public transportation to become more independent by pursuing gainful employment outside their communities. And teenagers discover that owning a car, or even borrowing one on occasion, affords them a needed sense of independence from their parents.

　　此段主要是为下一段的驳论作铺垫。

　　精华：Consider first… 

　　in some respects…=in some cases, to some extent

　　注意afford的用法

　　However, cars have diminished our independence in a number of more significant respects.

　　We"ve grown dependent on our cars for commuting to work. We rely on them like crutches for short trips to the corner store, and for carting our children to and from school. Moreover, the car has become a means not only to our assorted physical destinations but also to the attainment of our socioeconomic goals, insofar as the automobile has become a symbol of status. In fact, in my observation many, if not most, working professionals willingly undermine their financial security for the sake of being seen driving this year"s new SUV or luxury sedan. In short, we"ve become slaves to the automobile.